News of a Kidnapping Short Essay - Answer Key

1. Why do the kidnappers choose hostages who are media and government related?

The government is powerful and politicians are the ones who can usually give in to demands. Government officials usually have both power and money. The media is used because there is a strong relationship between media and the government. Media services are the ones who influence the public's flow of information and, therefore, decisions on many subjects.

2. Why do the kidnappers abduct family members rather than the actual politicians or other influential people?

The kidnappers need the politicians to remain in office to get their demands going. By kidnapping the family members, it makes legislative decisions more personal. If the abductors seize the actual person in office, there might not be anyone available to help. Also, family members are usually less secure.

3. Describe Marina Montoya's situation as it is introduced in Chapter One.

Marina is captured three months prior to Maruja and Beatriz. All this time, the public believes she is already dead in retaliation for a negotiation that did not end well for Escobar. Marina's abduction, therefore, does not evince the hoped for result and other abductions are planned.